Choosing between Hive and Smartsheet is a common decision for project management buyers in 2026. Smartsheet has been in the market since 2005, giving it a 10-year head start over Hive (founded 2015). Hive serves 10K+ orgs users while Smartsheet has 90K+ orgs users globally. Hive differentiates with task management and time tracking, while Smartsheet leads with grid, gantt & card views and automation workflows. In this head-to-head comparison, Hive earns a higher hiltonsoftware.co score of 90/100 — but the right choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and team size.
AI Verdict
After comparing Hive and Smartsheet across features, pricing, and user satisfaction, Hive takes the lead with a score of 90/100 versus Smartsheet's 88/100. Hive's key advantages include "all-in-one project management" and "good resourcing tools". That said, Smartsheet has its own strengths — particularly "familiar spreadsheet feel" — making it a viable alternative for specific use cases.
On pricing, there's a clear difference: Hive offers a free plan, making it more accessible for individuals and small teams exploring project management solutions. Smartsheet starts at $9/user/mo with no free tier, but often justifies the cost with grid, gantt & card views and automation workflows.
Bottom line: Choose Hive if you need teams wanting project management with built-in resourcing and time tracking. Go with Smartsheet if your priority is operations teams comfortable with spreadsheet-style tools. Both are strong project management tools — we recommend trying the free plan of each before committing.
CHOOSE HIVE IF:
Teams wanting project management with built-in resourcing and time tracking.
CHOOSE SMARTSHEET IF:
Operations teams comfortable with spreadsheet-style tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hive better than Smartsheet in 2026?
Hive scores 90/100 on hiltonsoftware.co compared to Smartsheet's 88/100. Hive stands out for "all-in-one project management" and is best for Teams wanting project management with built-in resourcing and time tracking. Smartsheet is known for "familiar spreadsheet feel" and suits Operations teams comfortable with spreadsheet-style tools. Your specific workflow and team size should guide the decision.
What is the pricing difference between Hive and Smartsheet?
Hive offers a free plan while Smartsheet starts at $9/user/mo, making Hive the more budget-friendly option. When comparing value, consider that Hive (founded 2015, 10K+ orgs users) includes features like Task management, Time tracking, Resourcing. Smartsheet (founded 2005, 90K+ orgs users) offers Grid, Gantt & card views, Automation workflows, Dashboards. The right choice depends on which features matter most to your team.
What are the main differences between Hive and Smartsheet?
The key differences come down to focus and approach. Hive excels at Task management, Time tracking, Resourcing, while Smartsheet focuses on Grid, Gantt & card views, Automation workflows, Dashboards. Hive's main advantage is "all-in-one project management", though some users note "can be overwhelming for small teams". Smartsheet's strength is "familiar spreadsheet feel", but "no free plan" can be a drawback. Both serve the Project Management market but target different user profiles.
Can I switch from Hive to Smartsheet?
Switching between Hive and Smartsheet is possible since both operate in the Project Management space. Before migrating, export your data from Hive and check Smartsheet's import capabilities. Key features to verify compatibility: Task management, Time tracking, Resourcing (Hive) vs Grid, Gantt & card views, Automation workflows, Dashboards (Smartsheet). Consider running both tools in parallel during a trial period to ensure a smooth transition.
Which is better for small teams: Hive or Smartsheet?
For small teams, Hive has an advantage with its free plan, letting you get started without financial commitment. Hive is best for Teams wanting project management with built-in resourcing and time tracking. Smartsheet (starting at $9/user/mo) may be worth the investment if your team specifically needs Grid, Gantt & card views, Automation workflows, Dashboards.